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Verse 99: The Story of a Woman

While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse (99) of this book,
with reference to a woman of doubtful character.

A Bhikkhu, after taking a subject of meditation from the Buddha, was practising meditation in
an old garden. A woman of doubtful character came into the garden and, seeing the Bhikkhu,
tried to attract his attention and seduce him. The thera got frightened; at the same time, his
whole body was diffused with some kind of delightful satisfaction. The Buddha saw him from
his monastery, and with his supernormal power, sent rays of light to him, and the Bhikkhu
received this message, which said, "My son, where worldlings seek sensual pleasures is not the
place for Bhikkhus; Bhikkhus should take delight in forests, where worldlings find no pleasure."

Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows:

Verse 99. Forests are delightful, but the worldlings find no delight in them; only those who are
free from passion will find delight in them, for they do not search for sensual pleasures.

Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A.,
Burma Pitaka Association, Rangoon, Burma 1986.